435 HIV cases reported to Health Ministry
by Abdullah Qazi / July 10, 2008
Afghanistan's Ministry of Health reported on July
9, 2008 that 435 HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)
positive cases have been reported from different
sources. The ministry also stated that there are an
estimated 2000-2500 HIV positive cases nationwide.
Despite these numbers, compared to other nations, the
prevalence of HIV in Afghanistan is considered low.
Decades of war, poverty, illiteracy, massive internal
and external displacement, drug trafficking and usage,
existence of commercial and unsafe sex are all factors
that have contributed to the rise in HIV positive
cases. |
